MANILA, Philippines - The military on Friday said it is studying a proposal to lift the state of emergency declared by the previous administration in Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato City.

Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta said AFP chief Lt. Gen. Ricardo David has asked ground commanders to make their recommendations based on the prevailing atmosphere on the ground.

“Its being studied based on what has transpired. We are awaiting the recommendations of the unit commanders on the ground for the chief of staff to come up with the recommendation,” said Mabanta.

He added, however, that tension has subsided in the area after the declaration of the state of emergency.

President Arroyo declared a state of emergency in the three areas to quell a day after the November 23 massacre in Maguindanao province that killed 57 people.

The President also declared a weeklong state of martial law to allow government forces to arrest loyalists of the Ampatuan clan, who are the main suspects in the massacre.